You’ve seen the signs. Driving down JFK Parkway in Short Hills, New Jersey, it’s hard to miss that massive, modern structure perched right across from the Mall at Short Hills. It’s called The Upton. If you’re like most people in the Millburn-Short Hills area, you’ve probably wondered if it’s actually worth the eye-watering rent or if it's just another "luxury" box built to look good on Instagram.
Honestly? It's a bit of both.
Living in Short Hills usually means one of two things: a sprawling Tudor mansion with a high-maintenance lawn or a quiet street where you have to drive twenty minutes just to get a decent cup of coffee. The Upton Short Hills changed that dynamic. It brought a specific brand of "hotel-style" living to a suburb that, frankly, didn't have much of it. We’re talking about 155 units of high-end rental space in one of the wealthiest zip codes in America. But before you pack your bags and sign a lease, you need to understand the reality of living on the edge of a major shopping district versus a quiet residential cul-de-sac.
The Location Reality Check
Location is everything. But here, location is... interesting.
The Upton is located at One Union Place. It’s basically the backyard of the Mall at Short Hills. On one hand, you can literally walk to Neiman Marcus or grab a steak at The Capital Grille without ever starting your car. For some, that’s the dream. For others, the idea of living that close to a regional shopping hub feels a bit like living in a commercial zone. You have to deal with the traffic on Route 124 and the constant hum of the suburbs moving around you.
It's not "quiet" in the way a side street off Hobart Avenue is quiet. It’s convenient.
If you work in Manhattan, the commute is the big selling point. The Upton offers a private shuttle to the Short Hills Train Station. That’s a game-changer. You don't have to fight for a parking permit at the station—which, if you know anything about the Millburn-Short Hills parking situation, is basically like winning the lottery. You jump on the Midtown Direct, and you're at Penn Station in about 45 minutes.
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What's Actually Inside the Units?
The floor plans aren't your typical cramped apartment layouts. They’re big. We’re talking one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and even three-bedroom dens that feel more like small houses.
- The Kitchens: They didn't cheap out here. You get Jenn-Air appliances. Most "luxury" builds throw in standard stainless steel and call it a day, but these are actually professional-grade. Quartz countertops are standard.
- The Bathrooms: Think soaking tubs and Kohler fixtures. It feels like a spa, mostly because of the tile work and the lighting.
- The Little Things: Wide-plank flooring, walk-in closets that actually fit a real wardrobe, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The light is what usually gets people. Because the building is situated the way it is, the natural light in the afternoon is incredible. It makes those high ceilings feel even higher.
But let's be real for a second. It's an apartment building. You will occasionally hear your neighbor’s dog or the muffled sound of a vacuum. That’s the trade-off for not having to shovel snow or worry about a basement flood.
The Amenities Arms Race
In the world of New Jersey real estate, amenities are an arms race. The Upton came to win.
There is a 24/7 concierge. That’s not just a guy sitting at a desk; they actually handle your packages, greet your guests, and keep the building secure. Then there’s the rooftop. It has fire pits, lounge seating, and views that actually let you see the skyline on a clear day.
The fitness center isn't just a treadmill in a basement. It’s a full-scale gym with a movement studio. If you’re used to a Peloton membership and a boutique HIIT class, you’ll feel at home. They even have a golf simulator.
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Then there’s the pool.
It’s an outdoor courtyard pool. During July and August, it feels like a private club. It’s heated, surrounded by cabanas, and generally well-maintained. Is it crowded on a Saturday? Yeah, sometimes. But it’s better than driving to a town pool or maintaining your own.
The Neighborhood and the "Short Hills" Label
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the price.
Renting at The Upton Short Hills is expensive. You are paying for the 07078 zip code and the Millburn School District. Even though it's a rental, if you have kids, they are going to some of the top-ranked public schools in the country. That alone justifies the rent for a lot of families who are in transition—maybe they sold their big house and aren't ready to buy again, or they're moving from the city and want to test the suburban waters.
You’re also minutes away from the South Mountain Reservation. You can go from a high-tech apartment to hiking the Hemlock Falls trail in about six minutes. That contrast is what makes this specific spot work. You have the urban luxury of the building and the "Old New Jersey" nature of the reservation right next door.
The Specifics You Need to Know
The building was developed by Garden Communities. They’ve been doing this a long time in Jersey. They know that people in this area have high expectations.
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One thing people often overlook is the "Work From Home" setup. The Upton has dedicated co-working spaces and a conference room. If you’re tired of staring at your kitchen island all day, you can actually go downstairs and feel like you’re in an office. The Wi-Fi in the common areas is actually fast, which is a rarity in these big complexes.
Pet owners? There's a dog wash station. It sounds silly until you have a muddy Golden Retriever and a white carpet.
The Downside Nobody Mentions
Everything isn't perfect.
The biggest gripe residents usually have isn't the building itself, it's the sheer "newness" of the lifestyle. Short Hills is a very established, traditional community. Sometimes, there’s a bit of a disconnect between the "renter" crowd and the "homeowner" crowd in town. However, that’s fading as more professionals realize that owning a 100-year-old house with a leaky roof isn't the only way to live.
Traffic on the weekends is another one. Being next to the mall means from November to December, your "quick trip to the grocery store" might take an extra fifteen minutes because of holiday shoppers. You learn the back roads quickly.
The Final Verdict
The Upton Short Hills isn't for everyone. If you want a big yard and a white picket fence, you’re in the wrong place. If you want a turn-key life where someone else fixes the sink and you can walk to a world-class mall, it’s hard to beat.
It serves a very specific purpose: high-end, maintenance-free living in a town that usually demands a lot of maintenance.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Residents
- Check the School Zoning: While it is a Short Hills address, always verify the current enrollment status with the Millburn Township Public Schools if you have children.
- Test the Shuttle: If you're a commuter, visit during rush hour. See the shuttle in action. Don't just take the leasing agent's word for it.
- Visit at Night: The vibe of the building changes after 6:00 PM. Check the noise levels from the surrounding roads when the mall traffic dies down.
- Compare the Utility Costs: Ask current residents or management about the average monthly cost for heating and cooling. Large floor-to-ceiling windows are beautiful, but they can impact your electric bill in a New Jersey winter.
- Review the Pet Policy: There are weight and breed restrictions. Don't fall in love with a unit before ensuring your four-legged roommate is allowed.